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Ken started his career as an engineer/physicist within the US Navy. Since then, he’s been a growth-stage B2B SaaS specialist helping to successfully grow multiple companies to IPO and acquisition. Ken is a former Chief Product Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Customer Officer, Chief Operating Officer and multi-time CEO. Ken has engineering degrees from RPI and Virginia Tech and an MBA from Stanford where he was an Arjay Miller scholar.


Jonah Surkes joined Generation Investment Management in 2021 and is a member of the Growth Equity strategy team, serving as an Investment Director. Previously, Jonah was an investment banking analyst at Greenhill & Co.
Jonah received a BA in Human, Social and Political Science from University of Cambridge, Clare College.


David Hefter leads BlackRock’s internal AI strategy and adoption for investments, working across public and private markets. He chairs the AI governance committee and produces a weekly internal AI Newsletter. With over two decades experience at BlackRock, David has been driving AI initiatives for the past 5 years, having studied computer science and AI at Columbia University.


Keshia is one of BDev Ventures' Partners. Previously, she served as the VP of Investment, leading BDev Ventures in backing more than 50 startups globally, including high-growth Silicon Valley companies such as Pinata Rent, MGT Insurance, and Pipo Health. Under her leadership, 25% of the firm’s portfolio companies achieved markups. Her strategic vision and hands-on support have helped founders scale quickly and responsibly.
Keshia was recently named a 2025 Woman of Influence by the Silicon Valley Business Journal. This annual award honors women who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and community impact across Silicon Valley.


Ryan Bateman is the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Sands Capital, where he has led technology strategy and cybersecurity since 2011. Before joining Sands Capital, he held senior technology roles at Ipreo and FBR Capital Markets, including directing global sales, trading, and equity capital markets systems.